Bioactive compounds in Argania spinosa oil. A promising approach for engineered skin and wound repair

Argania spinosa oil, extracted from the kernels of the Argan tree, has been traditionally valued for its therapeutic and healing properties. However, its potential as a bioengineered solution for wound healing and skin regeneration has not been comprehensively explored. This study bridges that gap by evaluating the chemical composition, biological activity, and safety profile of Argania spinosa oil for potential biomedical applications. The oil was extracted using ethanol and hexane and characterized by its physicochemical properties. Gas chromatography and spectrophotometric analyses revealed a high content of unsaturated fatty acids, primarily oleic acid (44.40 %) and linoleic acid (36.69 %), alongside significant levels of phytosterols (134.05 mg/100 g) and α-tocopherol (7.44 mg/100 g). The ethanolic extract showed strong antioxidant potential, with total phenolic and flavonoid contents of 67.47 μg/mg and 31.90 μg/mg, respectively. Biological assessments in rabbits demonstrated that wounds treated with the oil achieved 98.7 % closure by day 12, compared to 93.77 % in controls, confirming its efficacy in accelerating tissue repair. The healing effect is attributed to its bioactive compounds that enhance vascularization and tissue regeneration. Safety evaluations, including acute toxicity, ocular irritation, and dermal irritation tests, confirmed that the oil is non-toxic and non-irritating, with no mortality observed up to doses of 70 mL/kg (oral) and 6 mL/kg (intraperitoneal) in mice. Additionally, no adverse reactions were observed on rabbit skin or rectal mucosa. Key phenolic constituents, such as quinic acid (4.09 μg/g), coumarin (1.60 μg/g), and hesperidin (0.50 μg/g), were identified, contributing to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The high polyunsaturated-to-saturated fatty acid ratio (3.10) further underscores its therapeutic and nutritional significance. This study establishes Argania spinosa oil as a promising, natural, and safe candidate for bioengineered skin applications. By addressing the gap in empirical data on its wound-healing mechanisms and safety, the research supports its use in developing sustainable, temporary, and permanent engineered skin substitutes for regenerative medicine. Future studies should focus on elucidating its molecular pathways, optimizing extraction techniques, and assessing long-term clinical safety.